As tensions simmer in the transatlantic trade arena, the U.S. wine industry is raising its voice louder than ever.
Following the recent customs agreement between the United States and the European Union—where a 15% tariff was introduced on a range of European products—the American wine sector is pleading for urgent intervention: exclude European wines from these new levies.
While the agreement offers a glimmer of hope by exempting aeronautical goods and select medical devices, it leaves out wines and spirits. For the U.S. wine community, that exclusion is nothing short of alarming. Industry leaders fear the consequences could ripple across the supply chain—impacting importers, distributors, retailers, restaurants, and American wineries themselves.
Ben Aneff, President of the U.S. Wine Trade Alliance (USWTA), was swift to respond. While he acknowledged the customs announcement as a step forward, Aneff emphasized the necessity of including wine in the “zero-for-zero” tariff exemption framework. He warned that omitting wine from the list of exempt goods could inflict deep and lasting damage on both the U.S. economy and the wine sector’s global standing.
The numbers support his concern. According to the USWTA, the mere threat of new tariffs triggered a significant slowdown in European wine imports to the U.S., resulting in estimated losses of USD 479 million in May alone. These losses span distribution companies, wine retailers, and hospitality businesses, all of which rely heavily on European wine. Simultaneously, U.S. wine exports dropped by 41% year-over-year, suggesting a breakdown in two-way trade.
These developments have spurred swift action from within the industry. In mid-July, several major wine organizations—including WineAmerica, Napa Valley Vintners, the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA), and the National Association of Wine Retailers—united with the USWTA to send a joint letter to President Trump. Their message: tariffs on wine are a threat to American jobs, businesses, and consumers.
This past weekend’s customs announcement only intensified the urgency. The same coalition issued a renewed appeal to the administration, reiterating the importance of excluding wine from punitive tariffs and securing a long-term, tariff-free agreement. As discussions between U.S. and EU officials continue, the wine industry is keeping the pressure high, hoping to make wine not a victim of trade war tactics, but a bridge between economies.
Without exemption, the tariffs could raise wine prices for U.S. consumers, reduce access to European wines, and disrupt business models that have taken decades to build. With more than 4,700 wineries in the U.S. relying on imports and exports, the stakes are high.
For now, the cork remains in the bottle. But the question lingers: will policymakers act before the damage becomes irreversible?
Source: Vinetur